I am currently getting very frustrated with my 20% project, which I guess is to be expected sometimes. I keep practicing the harmonica and last night I was getting really good, but today I cannot get it right. It seems like every time I turn on my camera to record myself, I just start making rookie mistakes and it makes me really disappointed. I wanted to be able to show my progress but my videos make it sound like I am learning nothing. This is not the case. When I practice on my own, without recording, I can tell how much I have improved. I can actually play all of "Home on the Range" without making a mistake. I made a video for you to listen to but it does not do my playing much justice. I am not saying that I am a perfect harmonica player but I am much better than this video would lead you to believe. I think it is time I move on to another song. I will continue to practice "Home on the Range" until I can get a good recording but I think I need to add another song to my repertoire so I don't become bored from playing the same song over and over.
Although this sounds pretty bad, even I have to admit it is so much better than my first attempted documented several blog posts ago. Whenever I am looking for a quote, I always turn to my absolute favorite author C.S. Lewis. Not only was he a great author and brilliant lay theologian, but he had something to say on every life event. He once said "Failures are like finger posts on the road to achievement." I think this is very much applicable to my current feelings. After recording my video and listening to it several times, I did come to realize that is shows great improvement in my playing. Yes, it is not as good as I have played recently, but it at least shows that I am trying and putting in a lot of time and energy into practicing. It just happens to be one part of my journey to becoming a great harmonica player. So, thank you C.S. Lewis for saying the right words to encourage me to keep practicing and not give up on my dreams of being a famous harmonica player! To my readers, hopefully this week I can upload an improved version of "Home on the Range" or have something else prepared for you but, despite my frustration, I am not giving up yet!
You sound great! I don't know what you are talking about! Just think about how much progress you have made since beginning this project!! I can definitely hear an improvement!!
When I was first taking a basic guitar class, my professor told us that we should never spend too much time on a song. He taught us that if we do that, we'll burn out. Even if we were only able to get through a song slowly and with many mistakes, he still moved us to a new song (or three) each week. That way, we could still practice the earlier songs and get better, but we still moved forward. I found that in doing this, I progressed quicker and with less frustration because I wasn't restricted in what I practice.
This is what I would recommend to you. Don't think you have to have a song perfect before you move on. You can always practice songs from earlier in your learning process, but if you don't add new ones then there isn't anything to review when you get better.
It definitely sounds wonderful, and I LOVE that I can clearly hear the song as opposed to the first recording. I can't wait until we get to hear more!
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jeff
3/25/2014 09:50:51 am
I think Alyssa had some great advise. Not being musical myself, I appreciate any help peers can offer. I know this is a challenge, but this is truly more about the process. I think you are not only showing progress in your playing, but your reflections are truly authentic and interesting to read. Thank you!
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I am an aspiring biology teacher who happens to be joining the world of technology and harmonicas. Learn about my fun adventures here.